The Contrast Between SEGA’s Efforts to Localize Games for Asia and the West

We already knew SEGA was increasingly interested in making their games available in Asia, given how much potential for growth the market has. Even so, I was surprised to find how fast and determined SEGA apparently is to release their games there. For the English market, SEGA always seems hesitant, perhaps even reluctant, to localize their games. For example, the localization for the original Project DIVA F almost didn’t happen. …read more

Hi-sCool! Seha Girls Impressions

Hi-sCool! Seha Girls is an anime adaptation of the Sega Hard Girls series, featuring moe anthropomorphized Sega consoles. The series started as light novels and character cameos for games like Samurai and Dragons and Dengeki Bunko Fighting Climax. While each of Sega’s consoles and their revisions have been transformed into a character, only Dreamcast, Saturn and Mega Drive appear in the anime (thus far of my 5 episode recap). Sorry …read more

Phantasy Star Nova Gigantes Feature: Alkyone and Gration

The Gigantes, the biomechanical titans of Phantasy Star Nova, are freaky in their designs, if a bit over the top and wacky. The PSUBlog wrote about two of the Gigantes a while ago; here’s a spotlight on these menacing creatures. It should be noted that while a special attack during a state of rage is only currently noted for these two Gigantes, it could very well be the case that …read more

Yakuza: Like a Dragon (2007) Preview and Discussion

I recently had the chance to check out Yakuza: Like a Dragon, a live-action movie adaptation of the first Yakuza game directed by Takeshi Miike. It should be noted that this film is apparently quite liberal in its retelling of the first game: though a decision not necessarily problematic in itself it merits noting perhaps for some fans. After doing so, I’d like to talk a bit about my experience …read more

Valkyria Chronicles Interview and Orchestra Performance

Every so often, I’d think it be great to take an opportunity to highlight particularly cool content found amongst our staff that will be of interest to our readers. Whether these pieces now and in the future enrich your understanding of a franchise’s history or serve as a lighthearted complement to your experience of a franchise, I hope you’ll like these unearthed treasures. First, I wanted to point our readers …read more

Yakuza Review Youtube Series – Yakuza 3

Protoman85’s review series of the Yakuza games continues with his Yakuza 3 entry. This game marks the series’ mainline debut onto the PS3 (Kenzan! was the first Yakuza title for the PS3.) Kazuma Kiryu attempts to start a new life for himself away from his past as yakuza and runs an orphanage for kids, but he soon finds himself involved in the world that he thought he would be leaving …read more

A glimpse of SEGA in 2014

2014 is here, anyone excited for what SEGA may bring us?  Maybe sequels to our favorite series such as Jet Set Radio and Streets of Rage?  Hey it could happen.  It is worth having some hopes and dreams remain. For what does exist, SEGA Japan already have a promising and strong lineup.  While Segalization covers a range of campaign titles, ANYTHING from SEGA is fair game and a welcome sight.  …read more

So, Who Makes the Games We Want?

Never any harm to brush up on developers for our requested SEGA Japan games. SEGA attracts a wide range of companies that not only work on new franchises but team up for some of our favorite sequels. Phantasy Star Online 2 is from the same Sonic Team staff as Online 1 and Universe, but Phantasy Star Nova is from Tri-Ace. The first title by them is Star Ocean, one of …read more

Question: Would Rebranding “Yakuza” Be Better for the Franchise outside of Japan?

In spite of its very modest commercial performance in the West, the Yakuza franchise is generally well liked among enthusiast media, and its fans are passionate. Earlier this year, Luke Plunkett of Kotaku wondered where the hell Yakuza 5 was. The Yakuza games are just the sort that tend to hook people in once a gamer makes the investment, and this can be seen especially with the mainline entries, with …read more